Seoul: The National Assembly initiated a bipartisan parliamentary organization aimed at reinforcing the nation's alliance with the United States, as South Korea endeavors to address economic challenges and reaffirm its partnership under U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the inaugural meeting saw the participation of acting U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Joseph Yun and Jeon Jae-sung, a professor of international relations at Seoul National University. They highlighted the importance of the alliance and inter-parliamentary cooperation. The new body consists of 162 lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and opposition parties, with one chairperson and one secretary appointed from each side. PPP Rep. Cho Kyung-tae and Rep. Chung Dong-young of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) will serve as chairs, while PPP Rep. Cho Jung-hun and DP Rep. Kim Young-bae will act as secretaries.
"It is highly meaningful that this is the first official body within the National Assembly dedicated to promoting exchanges with the U.S. Congress," chairperson Cho stated, emphasizing the body's role in advancing the Korea-U.S. alliance. He laid out a vision for enhancing parliamentary diplomacy and advancing high-tech industries, aiming to boost bipartisan cooperation and "maximize the strategic value of the South Korea-U.S. alliance."
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik also emphasized the need for strengthened parliamentary cooperation, pointing out that global countries and businesses are closely monitoring the policies of the new U.S. administration. He remarked, "Many countries are putting in full efforts, playing 'good cop and bad cop.' If necessary, our government and parliament should divide our roles too."
The body aims to facilitate regular exchanges between the Korean and U.S. legislatures, conduct joint research, and enhance bilateral cooperation.